Cole's Redemption (Alpha Pack #5)(34)

Seven

Selene awoke in Zan’s room, but this time she knew she was alone.

There were no sounds of her mate showering, or dressing. No puttering in the kitchen, no humming, or any one of a dozen noises she’d come to think of as comforting.

She was alone, and it bugged her that he hadn’t awakened her to say where he was going. So what if that made her seem domestic? She didn’t care.

Hunger panged in her belly, but she ignored it. First she’d find her mate, and then she’d eat. In that order. Slipping out of bed, she made quick work of showering and dressing. Then she ventured out into the compound alone for the first time since her arrival.

She wasn’t sure that was smart on their part, letting her run loose. Then again, they had all sorts of abilities—and a Sorcerer on the team. That made her shudder a little in spite of herself. As badass as she thought she was, there was always someone who could kick her butt and take names. Sorcerers scared her.

The hallways were a maze, but somehow she found her way to the dining room. Several people were there, eating pancakes, and the sweet aroma tempted her. But the pull to find her mate was stronger, so she walked over to Kira.

“Have you seen Zan?”

Kira swallowed a forkful of her breakfast and then shook her head. “Not specifically. But Jax said they were training in the gym this morning, so you might check there.”

“Thanks.” She turned to go, but the other woman’s voice stopped her.

“One word of advice—don’t interrupt them unless it’s important.”

She gave Kira a hard look. “I’m not an idiot. My job requires me to train, too, you know.”

Kira’s face flushed. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to imply you were.”

Instantly, Selene felt like a total bitch. “No, I’m sorry. I’m just on edge, but that’s no reason to take it out on you. Forgiven?”

“Of course.” The other woman smiled, gave her directions to the gym, and Selene felt somewhat better.

“Thanks. Catch you later.”

After a series of turns, she found herself facing a set of double doors with a bar on them, exactly like one would see at a school gym. From the shouts, grunts, and groans inside, she figured she had the right place.

As she pushed inside, she almost swallowed her tongue. The whole team was in there, paired off, practicing their fighting skills on mats. They were bare-chested to the last man, wearing only thin athletic shorts and tennis shoes. The Pack made hand-to-hand combat look sexy, even though she knew the reasons behind such strenuous practice were serious. That didn’t mean she couldn’t look to her heart’s content.

Her gaze strayed to Zan, who was facing off with Jax. His black hair tumbled over his eyes but didn’t distract him one bit as the men circled each other. His lean muscles shone with sweat, thighs flexing as he faked left and right, countering blows his sparring partner delivered with speed. They made an awesome sight, these warriors, and she felt a spurt of pride that Zan was her mate.

He was brave. Worthy. A mate she could be proud to introduce to her uncle, should the situation ever become possible.

“Impressive, aren’t they?”

And just like that, her enjoyment of the morning was shattered. Turning her head, she assessed her father. “Yes. They’ve been well trained.”

“That wasn’t my doing. I’ve been here only just shy of a year.”

“And where were you before that?”

“The FBI.”

She found herself getting angry, and she hadn’t wanted her day spoiled. “How nice for you.”

“Not really,” he said quietly. “I would much rather have had my family back. And you, most of all.”

“Is that so?” She gave a bitter laugh. “Life’s a bitch, isn’t it, Commander? You reap what you sow and all of that.”

“You don’t know anything about the way things were.”

“Suppose you enlighten me, then?” Silence. “No? Why am I not surprised?”

“Someday you’ll understand. I promise I will tell you, when the time is right.”

“What is that? Some type of Seer bullshit?”

His mouth tightened. “You know what I am and that it’s real.”

Her anger boiled over. Needed an outlet—now. “Spar with me.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” She waved a hand at the mats. “Come on. Spar with me.”

“No, Selene.”

“Afraid to show me what you’re made of? Is that it?” she sneered.

After a slight hesitation, he nodded. “All right. We’ll go a round.”

“What do I get if I win?”

He gave her a half smile. “Satisfaction.”

“Bring it.”

Walking over to a set of empty mats, she was aware that some of the guys, including her mate, had stopped what they were doing to watch. She couldn’t care less. She had a point to make, and it would be made nicely with her father smeared on the mat at her feet.

Bouncing in place, she warmed up, glad she’d worn her camos and a tank top. They’d be easy to fight in and wouldn’t get in her way. A few more seconds and she turned to face the man she wanted to put on the floor.

They started out circling each other, knees bent, hands out to the sides. Each ready for the opponent to spring. He was patient, his gaze challenging, and that infuriated her more. Finally, she couldn’t stand it anymore and launched herself at him. But he was expecting this.